Heisman trophy candidates

Best makes his case with impressive outing

By Ted Miller
ESPN.com

Editor's note: Each week this season, ESPN.com will ask one of its Heisman Watch voters to explain his or her picks.

1. Tim Tebow, Florida: Tebow hasn't been spectacular, but he's the best player on the nation's No. 1 team, and his numbers are strong. He is the nation's seventh-rated passer, and has rushed for 148 yards and three touchdowns. He has plenty of work ahead through which he can make statements -- positive or negative -- about whether he deserves another trophy.

2. Jahvid Best, Cal: Score five touchdowns in one game -- as Best did Saturday at Minnesota -- and folks will notice. Best's Heisman stock is clearly rising, but his legitimacy ultimately will be measured over the next two weekends. If Best puts up impressive numbers against Oregon and USC -- and Cal wins both games -- he will erase the term "dark horse" next to his candidacy.

3. Jacory Harris, Miami: Loving Miami right now. If the Hurricanes win Saturday at Virginia Tech and Oct. 3 against Oklahoma, they deserve at least a No. 2 ranking. And you could make a strong argument for No. 1. Why is entertaining that idea even reasonable? Harris. The nation's third-rated passer has been spectacular thus far.

4. Colt McCoy, Texas: Dropped McCoy from second to fourth on this week's ballot because his numbers so far aren't great -- six touchdowns, four interceptions. The haters will shout: Why is he even on the list? Because he's Colt McCoy. The Longhorns will shout: How could you drop him? Because he hasn't looked like the 2008 Colt McCoy just yet. Plenty of time to regain his Colt McCoy bona fides.

5. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame: Yeah, I didn't like how he got all "Look at me!" when he committed to Notre Dame, either, but he's been nothing but lights-out this season, and he seems to have grown as a person and a leader. That should matter. If it doesn't to you, consider this: He is the nation's second-rated passer and has thrown for nine touchdowns with zero interceptions. One word: money.

Recent Heisman Trophy Winners

Year	Players	School
2008	Sam Bradford	Oklahoma
2007	Tim Tebow	Florida
2006	Troy Smith	Ohio State
2005	Reggie Bush	USC
2004	Matt Leinart	USC
2003	Jason White	Oklahoma
2002	Carson Palmer	USC
2001	Eric Crouch	Nebraska
2000	Chris Weinke	Florida State